ABOUT ZAMBIAN CARNIVORE PROGRAMME
Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP) is a field-based non-profit organization dedicated to conserving large carnivore species in Zambia through Conservation Science, Action, Leadership and Coexistence. At ZCP, we are passionate about protecting Africa's beautiful and iconic predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs and cheetahs.
OUR APPROACH.
ZCP's approach to conservation is based on a sound scientific understanding of large carnivore ecology and behaviour, and the social and economic factors that affect their conservation. We work closely with local communities and other stakeholders to develop and implement evidence-based conservation strategies that promote coexistence between people and wildlife. Our focus is on long-term solutions that benefit both people and wildlife, and that are sustainable over time. Click here to learn more about our approach and our conservation programmes.
OUR MISSION AND VISION.
Our vision is to see restored and thriving ecosystems collaboratively conserved by local communities, scientists, and policy-makers, guided by evidence-based approaches. Our mission is to conserve Zambia’s large carnivores and ecosystems through science, action, and the strengthening of local leadership.
OUR HISTORY.
ZCP was first registered as a non-for-profit organisation in 1998. It was founded by Dr Kellie Leigh, and was initially named African Wild dog Conservation with work focussed on utilising the African wild dog as a flagship species for protected area conservation and included studies of competing predators, prey species, habitats and anthropogenic impacts. The platform the organisation was built on aimed to ensure wildlife conservation is informed, effective and sustainable and in order to achieve that activities include scientific research, education, capacity building and on the ground action. Starting in the Lower Zambezi National Park, Kellie later expanded the organisation’s activities into the Luangwa valley with support from WWF-Netherlands. After ten years she handed over carriage of the organisation to Dr Matthew Becker, appointed as CEO. As the organisation grew and expanded its activities over more areas and more species, it was renamed the Zambian Carnivore Program (ZCP). In collaboration with the DNPW and an array of partners, ZCP now works across Zambia in most of the country’s key ecosystems for large carnivores and their prey.
OUR JOURNEY.
ZCP HISTORY AND TRACK RECORD
Why Carnivores?
01
Umbrella Species
Carnivores require space, and lots of it; protecting their habitats protects a lot of other species.
03
Indicator Species
Carnivores are very sensitive to human impacts, so are often the first to disappear from ecosystems.
02
Keystone Species
Carnivores have an ecological influence disproportionate to their numbers.
04
Flagship Species
Carnivores are charismatic and readily attract public interest and support for conservation.
OUR PILLARS.
ZCP is committed to the conservation of large carnivores and their ecosystems through a comprehensive four-part strategy encompassing Conservation Science, Conservation Action, Conservation Leadership, and Coexistence efforts.
